Evaluation of diabetes risk and eating habits of university students and personnel

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the eating habits, prevalence of obesity and diabetes risk of university students and employees in Istanbul Medeniyet University Goztepe and Maltepe campuses.

Material and Method: Three hundred and fifty seven people comprising 200 students and 157 employees of university were included to the study between 13 and 14 November 2013. Study data were obtained via face to face applied questionnaires and measurements.

Results: As a result, 30.8% of participants were overweight or obese and only 54.3% were regularly doing exercise. Fourteen percent of students and 31.8% of employees were smoking. The diabetes risk assessment showed that 37.5% of students and 61.1% of employees had diabetes risk. There was no relationship between consumed food products anddiabetesrisk. Fast-food consuming more than once a week were 36.5% in students and most of the students (82.5%) were consuming at least one fizzy drink a week. The rate of students having every day fizzy drinks was 62%.

Conclusion: Diabetes risk is considerable in young population. We think that changing life style and education for this group canreduce that risk.